Missouri Senator McCaskill Defends Self as Polite, Calm

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill is defending herself as "polite and calm" in response to accusations from Republican challenger Todd Akin that she wasn't very "ladylike" in a debate.

McCaskill told The Associated Press on Friday that Akin's remark left her "a little speechless." Akin said Thursday that McCaskill "came out swinging" in their Sept. 21 debate. He said that contrasted with her 2006 debates against then-Sen. Jim Talent, when Akin said, quote: "she had a confidence and was very much more sort of ladylike and all."

McCaskill was frequently critical of Akin's policies in the debate.

But the Democratic senator said Friday that she hopes people "defend me that I was polite and calm." She added, quote: "This wildcat, you know, furious and unladylike, is kind of a head-scratcher."